Identifying pain management in chronic pain patients with secure attachment style: A qualitative study

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Shakhes Pajouh Research Institute, Health Management Research Group, Isfahan University, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage which persists for a minimum of six months. Attachment theory has been used to explain how individuals relate to each other during moments of pain. The purpose of this research is to identify pain management in people with chronic pain and secure attachment style.
 Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at the Pain and Neurology Clinic of the University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre from August 2009 to February 2010. 22 female patients with chronic pain were interviewed, using open-ended semi-structured interview guide in English language. Data were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).
Results: Through IPA technique, ideal support themes were identified with five subthemes; emotional dependence on family, emotional closeness to friends, independence and self-sufficiency, preference to be with family, and need for support.
Conclusion: Chronic pain patients reported that they needed to be emotionally close with their families during moments of pain as a coping style to soothe their pain through increased intimacy and closeness. Prolonged duration of pain led them to change their everyday life activities and increased the need for close relationships. Patients with chronic pain may have different forms of coping style.  Chronic pain suppressed close relationship which may arise between patients and their family during moments of pain. 

Keywords

References

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Journal of Fundamentals of Mental Health
Volume 17, Issue 1 - Serial Number 1
January and February 2015
Pages 19-25

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